BS12110 - CHEMICAL BASIS OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Module Identifier	BS12110
Module Title	CHEMICAL BASIS OF BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Dr Philip Cadman
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-Requisite	Normally A or AS level Chemistry or its equivalent.
Course delivery	Lecture	16 Hours
	Seminars / Tutorials	4 Hours
Assessment	Semester Exam	2 Hours One 2-hour theory examination.	70%
	Semester Assessment	Continuous Assessment: To be handed in at the end of the semester	30%
	Supplementary Assessment	2 Hours One 2-hour theory examination; re-submission of all failed course work.	100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module the students should

be able to recognise the major groups of biological molecules and have an appreciation their chemistry
have the background chemistry to study further modules on the metabolism and energetics of biological systems.

Aims

This module aims to show how the biological properties of molecules are based upon their chemical properties and knowledge of the latter helps to understand the molecular basis of biological science. This module builds upon the students' basic knowledge of chemistry to impart a deeper insight into how many of the biological properties of molecules arise from their basic chemical ones. Its objectives are to give students the basic knowledge and tools for obtaining a better understanding of their future studies in the biological sciences.

Content

A description of simple bonding in organic molecules will be used to explain the stereochemical importance of the spacial configuration in natural molecules. This will be used to describe the different types of structural and geometric isomerism in organic carbon compounds and understand the different types of nomenclature. The description of conformations of simple compounds leads on to those of more complex molecules such as carbohydrates and peptides.

The physical properties of biological molecules will be explained using firstly examples from simple chemical processes and then the concepts extended to large biological molecules.

Areas to be discussed include energy changes during reactions and how such energetics help to determine the principles of chemical equilibria and limitations of yield etc. are linked with such considerations.

The basic understanding of the rates of chemical and biological reactions will lead on to a simple consideration of the importance of enzymes in biological processes. The concepts of pH, acids and bases, buffers will be explained and their importance in the properties of biological molecules such as amino acids and natural bases emphasised.

A simple discussion of radioactivity, isotopes, radioactive emissions and safety and health aspects of handling isotopes will be given, if there is time.

Audio-visual and computer based packages will be used to extend the knowledge and depth of the lecture course and provide the basis for the continual assessment of the course.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Atkins, P.W.. (1996) Element of physical chemistry. 2nd. Open University Press
Horton, H.R., Moran, L.A., Ochs, R.S., Rawn, J.D. & Scrimgeour, K.G.. (1996) Principles of biochemistry. 2nd. Prentice-Hall International
Mathews, C.K. & Van Holde, K.E.. (1996) Biochemistry. 2nd. Benjamin/Cummings